How to sail around the world for free: Five ways to live the dream

How to sail around the world for free: Five ways to live the dream6 photos

Open seas – You don't have to be a wealthy yacht owner to sail into the sunset. CNN takes a look at five ways to travel the globe for free.

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How to sail around the world for free: Five ways to live the dream6 photos

Volunteer as crew – Many private yacht owners offer free food and board for volunteer crew members. "It's not necessary to have sailing qualifications, it's more important to have the right attitude," said Kylie Gretener of findacrew.net.

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How to sail around the world for free: Five ways to live the dream6 photos

Be a companion – When 84-year-old Alaskan Jo Ryman Scott (pictured) and her 86-year-old husband, Dick, joined a yacht in Greece recently, they had no previous sailing experience. But they were able to help out with some of the cooking and cleaning and had great stories to keep the crew entertained.

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How to sail around the world for free: Five ways to live the dream6 photos

Care for kids – Queen Sofia of Spain (left) -- pictured with Princess Letizia of Spain (right) and daughter Princess Leonor of Spain -- surely has no trouble finding nannies to look after her grandchildren. But other families holidaying at sea are keen to find carers or teachers willing to work in exchange for a free trip.

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How to sail around the world for free: Five ways to live the dream6 photos

Help out on a research vessel – Greenpeace is just one environmental organization advertising for volunteers on its research vessels. Jobs could range from deck hands to administration staff and scientists working in onboard laboratories.

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How to sail around the world for free: Five ways to live the dream6 photos

Cook up a storm – While bigger vessels such as superyachts usually hire trained chefs, many smaller private yachts offer positions for enthusiastic cooks. But as Gretener points out: "As much as you're sailing the world for free you're still contributing in some way, whether it be your time or expertise."

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Story highlights

Ever dreamed of sailing around the world without the mega price tag?

From volunteer cooks to teachers, private yacht owners look for a helping hand

No experience necessary, but flexibility and enthusiasm are a must

Some boat owners simply looking for a companion on high seas

Imagine if your commute to work was as easy as stepping onto a sun-drenched yacht. Or if your office window overlooked the open seas. How about waking up each morning in a different exotic port?

Now imagine if you could do it for free.

From 20-year-old backpackers to 80-year-old retirees, an increasing number of people are volunteering on boats for a remarkable chance to travel the world -- all without spending a dollar.

Here are our top five tips for living the yachting lifestyle, without the luxury price tag.

It's not just the adults that need entertaining on board -- there's also their children.

Families traveling the high seas may need a teacher or nanny to care for youngsters on long voyages.

"We had one family who were circumnavigating Australia and needed a teacher to home-school their children," said Gretener, adding "As much as you're sailing the world for free you're still contributing in some way, whether it be your time or expertise."